CPA will challenge state legislators, business and labor leaders and community activists across the U.S. to secure America’s economic future on January 14 by enacting policies that enable women to close the power gap and realize their full economic potential. This is a call to action based on the 24 policy recommendations outlined in America’s Economic Agenda: Women’s Voices for Solutions, a compilation of best ideas, policy recommendations and practices gathered from women leaders across all sectors of society (see related box, p. 2).
Women are nearly half the workforce and the majority of college and graduate school graduates. Women-owned businesses contribute $2.3 trillion annually to the U.S. economy and employ one in four U.S. company workers. Yet a woman makes only $.74 for every dollar that is paid to a man, and three out of five adults living in poverty are women.
CPA is working to close this gap and build an economy that is sustainable and just through the active participation of women. In workplaces, communities and across the U.S., there must be policies and priorities that reflect the changing workforce and enable women to support themselves and their families.
CPA is challenging leaders to endorse and enact an economic agenda encompassing opportunities to create and grow businesses, health and security and a balance between family and work.
Collaboration among state, national and local leaders has proven effective in raising the profile of critical community problems and garnering national attention for their solution. On January 30, 1997, state legislators in five states — California, Georgia, Illinois, New Mexico and Washington — introduced bills to prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against survivors of domestic violence, a simultaneous bill introduction which captured national media attention. Over time, the number of state legislatures considering such bills grew to more than 20. On January 14, CPA will coordinate nationally with state and community leaders to elevate and build support for the recommendations outlined in the Agenda.
“This is an opportunity for legislators to join together to pass legislation that will significantly improve the lives of women and strengthen families in our communities,” said Maine Senate Majority Leader Chellie Pingree (FF ‘96).
A “State Partners Tool Kit” containing specific steps elected and non-elected leaders can take to challenge America to invest in the economic potential of women, sample press releases and a detailed executive summary of America’s Economic Agenda: Women’s Voices for Solutions will be distributed to state leaders to generate support for a women-led economic agenda on December 11 and will be available on CPA’s website, www.cfpa.org.
America’s Economic Agenda: Women’s Voices for Solutions was constructed from recommendations of women leaders at the 1997 Women’s Economic Leadership Summit, grassroots conferences and from the Women’s Voices polling projects.
Visit CPA’s website to find out how you can be a part of moving these 24 recommendations to action in your area. For more information, contact Nora O’Connell at [email protected].
